Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday clarified that the recent visit by officials from the Philippine Embassy in the Netherlands to former president Rodrigo Duterte was conducted in a "professional, nonintrusive and respectful manner."

According to Philippines News Agency, the visit adhered to protocols outlined by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which states that visits to its detention center are "strictly conducted with the approval or at the request of the person in detention." The DFA emphasized that the consular visit was carried out by career consular officials from the Embassy and not by any other government agents.

The DFA also addressed concerns regarding Duterte's health, stating that the "Philippine Government has no information on such matter, and inquiries about it are best referred to the ICC Spokesperson." This statement was issued in response to comments made by Vice President Sara Duterte, who described the visit as a 'sham welfare check' conducted without the family's consent.

The Vice President further alleged that the family was informed of Duterte undergoing laboratory tests after being found unconscious. The ICC has not provided a direct response to these claims but noted that it does not comment on private life issues and ensures the protection of detainees' wellbeing.